Michigan State Basketball
In the year 1979, the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team won the national championship during the season when Magic Johnson was the key player. It is because of this victory against the Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball team under the leadership of Larry Bird that college basketball witnessed one of the most memorable duels ever played. This particular duel took place during the 1979 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament which had the highest-ever TV viewership for a college basketball game at that time, thereby turning college basketball into a significant sporting event.
The Spartans men's basketball of the Michigan State University achieved the 2000 national championship in an outstanding season led by head coach Tom Izzo. The Spartans played with character and intensity, led by their outstanding performers Mateen Cleaves, together with other important members Morris Peterson and Charlie Bell. The Spartans defeated Florida Gators men's basketball team in the final match to win the title. As one of the games in the 2000 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, the success of Michigan State in winning the title put an end to the championship drought for Big Ten.